Struggling Fishkill passes tax increase

Tied budget vote leads to approval, by default

9:26 AM,
Nov. 20, 2012

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With the town's fiscal condition on the precipice of collapse, the Town Board voted by default to approve a tax increase.

The 2013 increase is needed to pay off debt, reduce interest payments and address immediate cash flow gaps, two Town Board officials said. However, two members voted not to adopt the budget, tying the vote, 2-2. Per town law, the budget passed by default.

This wasn't welcome news to many concerned residents, who packed the board meeting, asking for more accountability of their hard-earned dollars. Some called for a forensic audit. ...